BY JAMIE BULLEN
The US and South Korea have stepped up its use of spy planes on North Korea amid fears Kim Jong-un is about to launch a long-range missile.
Military sources say forces from both countries have increased surveillance missions after a Russian lawmaker claimed Pyongyang plans to fire a "high range" weapon capable of hitting the US mainland.
CIA officials revealed days ago that Kim Jong-un's regime could carry out a fresh nuclear test with experts fearing a possible strike on Tuesday to mark the the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea.
In response, US troops are said to have enhanced its "U-2S ultra-high altitude reconnaissance aircraft" while South Korea has increased its use of "RC-800 and RF-16 reconnaissance planes" to keep an eye on its neighbours.
A Seoul-based military official said there was no sign North Korea is about to embark on its latest provocation but added regular checks would still be carried out.
The source told Yonhap news agency: "Some movements have been continuously detected from the North's missile facilities and bases. We are maintaining the heightened reconnaissance and preparedness posture."
The agency also reported maritime and land-based advanced radar systems are in place to detect ballistic missiles.On Friday, Russian lawmaker Anton Morozov claimed North Korea is set to test-fire a new "high range" missile capable of hitting the US mainland.
Mr Morozov revealed Pyongyang's plans as he returned from a five-day visit to the hermit state - where the mood is "rather belligerent" - with a Russian delegation.
He claims North Korean officials gave the Russians mathematical calculations showing that the intercontinental ballistic missile could reach targets on the US west coast.
It comes just days after a CIA official revealed that Kim Jong-un's regime could launch a new missile or carry out another nuclear test next week.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/south-korea-increase-spy-plane-11309589
